Aneurin Barnard: my heroes and heroines

The White Queen actor on the people who inspire him.

Aneurin Barnard Photo: BEN PRUCHINIE/GETTY IMAGES

By Aneurin Barnard

12:15PM BST 21 Jul 2013

Richard Burton

We’re both Welshmen and from similar backgrounds, so I’ve always looked up to him. One of the first things I heard as a child was him narrating War of the Worlds; it got me really excited about one day being able to act for a living.

Peter Howson

This artist’s images of the Bosnian war fascinate me because, as a schoolboy, I remember it happening. His art wasn’t about the politics; it was about the real-life people who were affected and that really struck me.

He was a boxer who grew up in a neighbouring valley to me and, tragically, fell into a coma after a fight and died at 24. His story made me realise what it means to commit yourself to and believe in something that much.

Ceri Selman

My sister and I are very close; she completely understands who I am. As a physiotherapist, she works with disabled children and dedicates her life to making theirs easier. She’s completely selfless and I love her to pieces.

John Williams

He wrote the beautiful music for all of the great movies that I grew up with and I often use his songs to help me find different characters. He can make an audience move through a story. I will listen to him until my very last day.